Whenever-kobo by Emily Evans Read Free Book Online Page B

grandfather here.” A sad expression flitted across her face for a moment, and then changed to a grin. “My grandfather and brother are firecrackers. You’ll have to meet them.” A faint French accent broke through when she spoke of her family. She took a hanger out of the wardrobe and turned to me with a critical eye and a nod. “This emerald silk would look gorgeous on you. The yellow lilies all over it can’t be helped, but with your eyes, that shade of green’s a must.”
    I took the dress from her. The fabric melted in my hand, soft like rose petals, unlike anything I owned.
    Next, Lisette held up a mango tank dress covered in violets. She assessed the pattern with a tilted head and pulled out a purple button-up sweater. “This will detract from the mass of flowers. I’ll wear it.” She grabbed a black sweater and passed it to me. “This will work over the top of yours.”
    I trusted Lisette’s judgment over my own attempts to put together an outfit. Coordinating pieces wasn’t a talent I possessed. I stuck with dark solids and gave in whenever Mom added a headband or other pop of color. She was usually right. “Thanks,” I said. The sweater was almost as soft as the silk; they didn’t sell fabrics like this at the mall.
    Lisette squatted down and peered into the bottom of the closet. She held up a cheetah stiletto and cooed over it. “Oh. Too small for me.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Are you a six and a half?”
    “Eight. You?”
    “Nine.” She slipped into her navy flats and wiggled her feet. “Ugly, aren’t they? My grandfather said conservative would impress the provincial judges .” She said the last part with a heavy French accent as if imitating her grandfather.
    Good tip. He’d have approved of my own black flats.
    We finished and left the stateroom. Back in the main cabin, the bodyguard had set up a buffet. All three guys had showered and dressed in chinos and white tops. Royal or not, three men still got ready quicker than the time it took the two of us. Tall, fit, they looked good.
    Austin choked out a laugh. “It’s like my mom’s shower curtain came to life.”
    I pulled on the sweater and buttoned it up. I had no other defense.
    Lisette pursed her lips and went over to the table. I joined her and eyed the fruit and crackers. No chocolate. I snared a white cheese cube. There appeared to be a powdery outer layer and a creamy middle. I pressed it between my thumb and index finger, noting the give.
    “It’s Brie,” Callum said, watching me.
    I wrinkled my nose and set it on a small plate.
    “You prefer American cheeses?” There was a note of disdain in his voice, as if there was something wrong with American cheese.
    I picked up one of the pale round crackers and smoothed my thumb over the top, noting the lack of salt.
    “They’re water crackers,” Callum said.
    “Sounds flavorful.”
    Callum grinned, snagged a grape, and smeared it into the cheese. He lifted it to the center of my mouth. At the press of the cold grape, I opened my lips. The middle of the soft cheese melted on my tongue. I chewed and the sweet tartness of the grape melded with the creamy cheese. I nodded and made a plate: water crackers, cheese cubes, and grapes.
    The guard served as cabin attendant. He brought me a small bottle of clear soda, and a heavy crystal tumbler with two ice cubes. “Thanks,” I said, searching his eyes so he’d know I meant thanks for helping us.
    His mouth softened and he nodded. “We’re having trouble with the coms. We’ll try and get them working, but worst case, you’ll call your families on your mobiles when we land.”
    My cell phone was in the principal’s confiscated stash. I hoped he’d give it to my mom. I’d ask her when we landed, which was in eight more hours. My stomach sank. I really wanted to speak with my parents. I tightened my grip on the glass and took a drink of the clear, citrus-vanilla, fizzy liquid.
    “I don’t think my cell will work